The Milwaukee Bucks got bounced out of the NBA Playoffs in five games at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, and the conversation immediately shifted to Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the Bucks.
It is the 3rd straight season the team has lost in the first round, and the rumors of Antetokounmpo being traded will only intensify.
The Los Angeles Clippers are in a battle of their own in the first round. Currently, they are losing to the Denver Nuggets 3-2, with a chance to tie the series on Thursday and continue their playoff journey.
The Clippers have been a bit of a Cinderella story this season, but overall, they do have a very talented roster headlined by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
If they do not go on to win the NBA Title this season, or even if they do, should they be in the Giannis sweepstakes?
Potential Los Angeles Clippers – Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Scenario
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints took a look at all potential trade scenarios and included the Clippers as a “Longshot.”
“In the Clippers’ case, a deal for Antetokounmpo would result in needing to part ways with Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who the Bucks tried to acquire in 2020 before the Serbian decided he didn’t want to go to Milwaukee. Los Angeles also can’t offer an outright first-round pick until 2027. This is an even worse situation in terms of a potential package than the Lakers.”
While Zubac has been a bright spot for the team and should win Defensive Player of the Year honors, I don’t think anyone would bat an eye if the result were Giannis at the Intuit Dome.
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After seeing what the Dallas Mavericks accepted in the Luka Doncic trade, the package the Clippers could offer is actually not that bad, but I agree with Siegel in that other teams could offer substantially more.
While this team might not quite have what it takes to win the whole thing, it feels like keeping the core together and making just a few minor adjustments might be enough. They are stout on defense and arguably the best-coached team in the NBA.
More than likely, LA will stand pat on this one.